Suranjana (colchicum luteum baker.) - a rhizomatic plant
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Suranjana (colchicum luteum baker.) - a rhizomatic plant
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Malviya Reeta
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Dravyaguna, Mahatma Jyotiba Fule Ayurveda College, Chomu, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Sharma Ravindra
Ph.D. Scholar, Dept. of P.G. Studies in Dravyaguna. National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Tarun Sharma
P.G. Scholar, Dept. of P.G. Studies in Dravyaguna. National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Nathani Sumit
Lecturer, Dept. of P.G. Studies in Dravyaguna. National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Meeta Kotecha
Professor, Dept. of P.G. Studies in Dravyaguna. National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Suranjana (colchicum luteum baker.) - a rhizomatic plant
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Suranjana, scientifically known as Colchicum luteum Baker, is a rhizomatic herb belonging to the Liliaceae family, predominantly found in temperate regions of the western Himalayas and cultivated across countries like India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nepal. This plant has gained significant importance in both Unani and Ayurvedic systems of medicine, primarily for its medicinal properties, which include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and uricosuric effects. Despite its historical use in Unani medicine, references in Ayurvedic literature have emerged only recently, with Acharya Shankar Dutt Gond being the first to document its properties in 1935. The herb is recognized for its bitter and pungent taste, and it is classified as a vata and kapha dosha pacifier, making it a valuable natural remedy for various ailments.
Medicinal Properties of Suranjana
The principal active compound in Suranjana is colchicine, which plays a vital role in treating conditions such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis. According to Ayurvedic texts, Suranjana is described as tikta (bitter), katu (pungent), laghu (light), and ruksha (dry), with the potency of being ushna (hot). These attributes contribute to its pharmacological actions, which include being a blood purifier and a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Modern research has highlighted additional properties such as its antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial abilities, as well as potential applications in cancer treatment. The medicinal uses of Suranjana extend to providing relief from inflammation, joint pain, and digestive issues, while also acting as a diuretic to address urinary problems.
Cultivation and Harvesting Practices
Successful cultivation of Suranjana requires careful land preparation and appropriate environmental conditions, as the plant thrives in cooler climates with specific soil types. Corm propagation is the preferred method, taking place in the rabi season with proper spacing to facilitate growth. The crop typically matures in 16 to 18 months, with harvesting done post-fruit ripening. Additionally, the corms must be collected and dried at controlled temperatures to preserve the active compound, colchicine. Understanding optimal cultivation practices ensures the sustainable production of Suranjana, essential for continued medicinal use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Suranjana (Colchicum luteum Baker) serves as a significant herbal remedy with a rich history in Unani and Ayurvedic medical practices. Its diverse therapeutic properties, driven mainly by colchicine, highlight its importance in treating various ailments, including gout and inflammation. As research continues to uncover its broader applications in health, including antioxidant and anticancer properties, promoting the safe and effective use of Suranjana could provide substantial benefits to holistic healthcare practices. Therefore, advocating for awareness and proper utilization of this plant is crucial for enhancing its value in both traditional and modern medicine.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Suranjana and its medicinal uses?
Suranjana, also known as Colchicum luteum Baker, is used primarily in the Unani system of medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and laxative properties. It helps treat gout, rheumatic arthritis, joint pain, and skin disorders.
What are the key active components of Colchicum luteum?
The main active compound in Colchicum luteum is colchicine, known for its effectiveness in treating gout and inflammation. It also contains other alkaloids and phenolic compounds that contribute to its antioxidant and anti-cancer activities.
Are there any precautions associated with using Suranjana?
Yes, Suranjana can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation and toxicity at high doses, including symptoms like diarrhea and convulsions. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, and long-term use can lead to liver and kidney damage.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Suranjana (colchicum luteum baker.) - a rhizomatic plant�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
A medicinal substance used to treat, cure, or prevent diseases and improve physical or mental well-being. In the context of this article, 'Suranjan' is a notable drug that comes from the plant Colchicum luteum Baker, often used for its therapeutic properties.
2) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
Another way to refer to Dravyaguna, this term encompasses the study of substances and their medicinal properties, under which Suranjana is categorized.
3) Bitter:
Suranjana is described as 'Tikta' (bitter) in Ayurvedic literature, which influences its properties and uses, such as being a digestive aid and its efficacy in treating inflammation and pain.
4) Blood:
Suranjana is categorized under 'Rakta Prasadan Varg' (blood purifiers) in Ayurveda, emphasizing its role in purifying blood and treating conditions related to blood such as leprosy and skin disorders.
5) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Researchers and authors like Acharya Sankar Dut Gond and P.V. Sharma have contributed to the literature detailing the medicinal uses of Suranjana within Ayurvedic texts.
6) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
An ancient system of medicine from India that involves the use of herbs and natural substances for healing. Suranjana, although a recent addition, has found its place in Ayurvedic medicine for its therapeutic benefits.
7) Medicine:
In Ayurveda and Unani systems, Suranjana (Colchicum luteum Baker) is widely used as a medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and other therapeutic properties.
8) India:
The plant Colchicum luteum Baker is native to the western Himalayan range and is cultivated in temperate regions of India such as Kashmir, Chamba, and Himachal Pradesh.
9) Jaipur:
The National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is one such institution where extensive research and studies have been conducted on Suranjana by scholars like Dr. Malviya Reeta and others.
10) Cancer:
Modern research indicates that the alkaloid colchicine found in Suranjana exhibits anti-cancer properties, especially beneficial in treating various neoplastic diseases and dispersing tumors.
11) Delhi:
[see source text or glossary: Delhi]
12) Inci (Imci):
The botanical description of Colchicum luteum Baker includes measurements, such as leaves being 6 to 12 inches long and flowers being 1 to 2 inches in length, which helps in identifying the plant.
13) Nagapura (Naga-pura):
Vedhnath Ayurved Bhavan in Nagpur is referenced for works on Dravyaguna-Vigyan, which includes the medicinal uses and properties of Suranjana.
14) Panda (Pamda):
Himadri Panda, an author of 'Medicinal herbs with their formulation,' provides information on the chemical and medicinal properties of Colchicum luteum Baker.
15) House:
[see source text or glossary: House]
16) Katu:
'Katu' means pungent in taste. Suranjana is described as Katu in Vipak (metabolism) in Ayurvedic texts, contributing to its pharmacological effects such as pain relief.
17) Daya:
Daya publication house is one of the sources providing detailed information on medicinal herbs like Colchicum luteum Baker.
18) Pain:
One of the primary medicinal uses of Suranjana is its ability to alleviate pain in conditions such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and joint pain due to its analgesic properties.
19) Soil:
For cultivating Colchicum luteum Baker, the soil needs to be sandy loam, well-drained, and fertile to support the proper growth and development of the corms.
20) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
The methanolic extract of the corms of Colchicum luteum Baker has shown moderate to excellent anti-bacterial activity, making it useful in fighting bacterial infections.
21) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is the state in India where the National Institute of Ayurveda and Mahatma Jyotiba Fule Ayurveda College, both involved in research on Suranjana, are located.
22) Varanasi (Varanashi):
The Chaukhambha Bharati Academy in Varanasi publishes important Ayurvedic texts, including details on the medicinal uses of Suranjana.
23) Swelling:
Suranjana is used externally to reduce swelling and pain in conditions like rheumatic arthritis and gout, owing to its anti-inflammatory properties.
24) Bharati:
[see source text or glossary: Bharati]
25) Tuttha:
'Hiranya-Tuttha' refers to the dark brown dry extract of Colchicum luteum Baker, used in various medicinal preparations to treat acute gout and rheumatism.
26) Gold (Golden):
In English, Colchicum luteum Baker is also known as 'Golden collyrium' due to its funnel-shaped, golden-yellow colored perianth.
27) Tikta:
Tikta means bitter in Ayurveda, and Suranjana is classified as Tikta in taste, which contributes to its digestive and therapeutic actions.
28) Guna:
Guna refers to the properties of a substance in Ayurveda. Suranjana is Laghu (light) and Ruksha (dry) in Guna, which influences its medicinal effects.
29) Genu:
[see source text or glossary: Genu]
30) Crop:
Colchicum luteum Baker is planted as a crop in fields with optimal conditions, harvested for its medicinal corms, seeds, and flowers.
31) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Suranjana (Colchicum luteum Baker) is highly effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
32) Pharmacological:
Suranjana has various pharmacological actions such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, blood purifier, and more, according to Ayurvedic literature.
33) Inflammation:
Suranjana is used to treat inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties, useful in conditions like gout, arthritis, and skin disorders.
34) Afghanistan:
Colchicum luteum Baker is cultivated in Afghanistan as well as in India, Pakistan, and Nepal, indicating its wide distribution and importance in traditional medicine.
35) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
'Shankar Nighantu' by Acharya Shankar Dut Gond is an Ayurvedic text where Suranjana was first mentioned, adding it to the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia.
36) Hiranya:
'Hiranya' or 'Hiranya-Tuttha' refers to a dry extract of Colchicum luteum Baker used for its medicinal properties in the treatment of gout and rheumatism.
37) Mahatman (Mahatma, Maha-atman):
Mahatma Jyotiba Fule Ayurveda College in Chomu, Jaipur, is where research on Suranjana has been conducted by scholars like Dr. Malviya Reeta.
38) Habitat:
The natural habitat of Colchicum luteum Baker includes temperate regions with severe winters, low humidity, and is often found in the western Himalayan range.
39) Leprosy:
Suranjana is used in the treatment of skin disorders like leprosy due to its blood-purifying properties, as mentioned in Ayurvedic texts.
40) Ruksha (Ruksa):
'Ruksha' means dry in Ayurvedic terms. Suranjana is Ruksha in Guna, affecting its therapeutic use in treating conditions like inflammation and swelling.
41) Kapha:
Suranjana is effective in pacifying Kapha Dosha, thereby aiding in reducing mucus and relieving conditions associated with excess Kapha.
42) Laghu:
Laghu means light in Ayurvedic properties. Suranjana is Laghu in Guna, making it easily digestible and suitable for treating digestive issues and inflammation.
43) Rakta:
Rakta refers to blood in Ayurveda. Suranjana is categorized under Rakta Prasadan Varg for its blood-purifying and medicinal properties.
44) Ushna (Usna):
'Ushna' signifies hot potency in Ayurveda. Suranjana is Ushna in Virya, making it useful in treating conditions related to cold and Vata-Kapha imbalances.
45) Virya:
'Virya' means potency in Ayurveda. Suranjana is classified as having Ushna (hot) Virya, contributing to its therapeutic actions like anti-inflammatory effects.
46) Fever:
Suranjana features in preparations that treat fever, particularly due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help reduce symptoms.
47) Rasa (Rasha):
'Rasa' refers to taste in Ayurveda. Suranjana has Tikta (bitter) and Katu (pungent) Rasa, influencing its medicinal and digestive properties.
48) Gond:
Acharya Sankar Dut Gond is credited with first mentioning Suranjana in Ayurvedic literature, specifically in his Shankar Nighantu in 1935 A.D.
49) Zingiber officinale:
In Unani medicine, formulations like 'llaj ul Amraz' include ingredients such as dried rhizomes of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) along with Suranjana for therapeutic purposes.
50) Purification:
One of the medicinal roles of Suranjana is blood purification, making it effective in treating blood-related disorders and conditions like leprosy.
51) Cakshushya (Caksusya):
[see source text or glossary: Cakshushya]
52) Irritation:
The use of Suranjana can cause irritation, especially in large doses. Careful application and dosage are necessary to avoid adverse effects like skin hyperemia.
53) Salivation:
[see source text or glossary: Salivation]
54) Harvesting (Harvest):
Harvesting of Suranjana involves collecting the corms after the leaves have died down, which typically occurs in May, giving enough time for corms to harden.
55) Kaphavata (Kapha-vata):
Suranjana is described as Kaphavata suppressant, meaning it helps in balancing both Kapha and Vata doshas in the body, alleviating related conditions.
56) Ploughing:
For cultivating Colchicum luteum Baker, fields need to be ploughed to make the soil porous, improving conditions for planting and sprouting of corms.
57) Vatahara (Vata-ahara):
[see source text or glossary: Vatahara]
58) Himalaya (Hima-alaya):
The natural habitat of Colchicum luteum Baker is in the Himalayas, especially in temperate regions with severe winters and low humidity.
59) Mountain:
Colchicum luteum Baker is found in mountainous regions such as the western Himalayas, indicating its preference for high altitude habitats.
60) Vomiting:
High doses of Suranjana can cause vomiting, and hence, care should be taken in its administration to prevent such toxic effects.
61) Language:
[see source text or glossary: Language]
62) Sanskrit:
Suranjana is known by different names in various languages, including Sanskrit where it is called 'Hiranya-Tuttha' or 'Tuthanjana'.
63) Samhita:
Samhitas are classical Ayurvedic texts. However, Suranjana is not mentioned in the ancient Samhitas but is a more recent addition to Ayurvedic literature.
64) Krishna (Krsna):
Krishna refers to the black variety of Suranjana, which is poisonous and used externally to reduce pain and swelling, as per Ayurvedic classification.
65) Marathi:
In Marathi language, the plant Suranjana is also known as 'Suranja�, indicating its widespread recognition across different Indian languages.
66) Kannada:
In Kannada, Suranjana is referred to as 'Virkum,' showcasing the plant's relevance and utility across various regions in India.
67) Parashi (Parasi):
In Parashi, an alternative name for Suranjana is 'Suranjan-e-Lakh,' reflecting its universal nomenclature across different cultures and languages.
68) Disease:
Suranjana is used in Ayurveda and Unani medicine to treat various diseases such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, digestive issues, and blood-related disorders.
69) Kashmir:
Kashmir is one of the regions where Colchicum luteum Baker is found naturally, highlighting its native habitat in the temperate zones of the Himalayas.
70) Dravya:
[see source text or glossary: Dravya]
71) Ghrita (Ghrta):
A mixture of cow Ghrita (ghee) and Suranjana corm paste is used medicinally in Ayurveda to treat piles by applying it directly to the affected area.
72) Dipana:
[see source text or glossary: Dipana]
73) Punjab:
Punjab is another region where Colchicum luteum Baker is cultivated, indicating its broader agricultural and medicinal use within India.
74) Forest:
[see source text or glossary: Forest]
75) Family:
Colchicum luteum Baker belongs to the family Liliaceae, commonly referred to as the lily family, which includes many other medicinally important plants.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 92]
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